Thursday, May 29, 2014

It's been a while since I took part in a MIM challenge but I was intrigued by Dawn's video this week - how to add texture without adding bulk by debossing an already stamped image. For this you really need stamps with coordinating dies.

When I started to look at my supplies, I realised I don't have that many coordinating sets - a lot of times I have either the stamps or dies but not both. But Birthday Style came to the rescue and here's what I came up with:

I really like the look and will be using it again. So useful given that I mail so many cards!

I'm making sets of cards to give as birthday and Christmas gifts this year. Here's the one for my aunt. Note the elegant seal which features her initial (using the envelope seal die from the Make it Market Luxe Letterpress Kit). There are some extra seals included with the cards and envelopes, all packed in a decorated glassine bag.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

I've had a go at some more coin purses using PTI's coin purse and coin purse pocket dies. Think this one one turned out better than the last, but I'm still making improvements!

For this one I used a 5 inch zip and made my own 'stopper' by sewing across the zip a few times. That way, the metal stopper isn't visible. I also used a snap fastener for the front pocket as the velcro dot I used last time wasn't very sturdy. Plan on making some more as little gifts and stocking fillers for this year!

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

I've been trying out some cut files from the Silhouette store. I don't have a Cameo machine but I've been able to save the Silhouette Studio files to use with my Cricut and Sure Cuts a Lot software. Lots of tips about this online, but I've found it's pretty easy with a Mac and that no extra software is needed. You can 'print' to PDF and then use Preview to save as an image which can be traced by SCAL or similar software such as Make the Cut.

Just a few easy steps:
1. Open the file in the Studio software (which is free to download).
2. Select all and choose ungroup all.
3. Select each item and fill with black to make tracing easy.
4. Make sure 'print cut lines' is not checked.
5. Choose file/print/PDF/open PDF in Preview
6. Save file as JPEG or PNG at your chosen resolution.
7. Import JPEG/PNG into SCAL/MTC and trace.

The image will be pretty large when you import it, but you can easily resize.

Here's a card I made using a cute retro typewriter from the Silhouette Online Store:

Thursday, May 08, 2014

It always seems to be the case that however many cards I have in my stash, they're never the ones I need to actually send! Rather short on thank you cards so have been making a few of those recently. Here's one which features some gorgeous Heidi Swapp acrylic stars I just couldn't resist buying :)

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

I recently bought the PTI coin purse dies off a forum member (thanks Audrey) and this weekend spent a few happy hours making my first little purse. Great fun!

As promised, it is pretty easy once you die cut everything. Erin Lincoln has designed the dies to be very user friendly - even for putting in the zip. You can check out her video here.

I made this as a bit of a test, using up some orange felt and some left over quilting fabric. I used heat-n-bond on the fabric so I could die cut it, but the felt cuts fine without it. Here's the front (with the extra pocket fasted with velcro)

And here's the back with a contrasting piece of fabric glued to the felt using heat-n-bond.

The stitching holes make sewing everything a cinch and you can put the zipper where you like - I chose to have mine at the top. I used a 4 inch zipper like Erin recommends, but I actually feel a 5 inch would be better. I don't like the way the stopper is visible at the end of the zipper. So next time I'll try the slightly longer size.

But I think this will be a great little gift item - either as an extra little gift or to hold a gift card. So if you know me, just watch out because you might be getting one too!